Shocking footage has captured the moment a suitcase is stolen from the boot of a taxi by a brazen thief outside London’s King’s Cross station, as police issue a warning to tourists.
The incident was caught on camera by someone sitting in a car just behind. In the video posted to X, formerly Twitter, the perpetrator is seen sneaking around the back of the car and opening the boot before dashing off with the case.
A few seconds later, the passenger and driver appear and look perplexed to find the suitcase has vanished, leaving the back of the car empty.
Some social media users have claimed the incident is a common occurrence, with one person saying: ‘The fella that did this has done loads around there. There’s a group of them doing it.’
British Transport Police has now urged travellers to be on alert.
Shocking footage has captured the moment a suitcase is stolen from the boot of a taxi by a brazen thief outside London ‘s King’s Cross station
The passenger then appears perplexed as he opens the boot to find it empty
A spokesman told The Sun: ‘Thieves are drawn to busy environments where people will be temporarily distracted, which unfortunately makes train stations and tourist hotspots a likely target for thieves.
‘Luggage thieves use a variety of tactics, so it’s important to remain vigilant and alert when travelling and to keep an eye on your belongings – ensuring valuables are safe, secure and out of sight if possible.
‘If you are the victim of a crime, or see something that doesn’t look right, you should tell a member of rail staff or a police officer what you have seen. You can also text us on 61016.’
A sympathetic viewer commented in response: ‘No one knows the impact of that case being robbed – could have missed a funeral or a birth if he had documents in there.’
The perpetrator is seen brazenly walking away with the stolen suitcase. British Transport Police has now urged travellers to be on alert
Some social media users have claimed the incident is a common occurrence
Another X user wrote: ‘The audacity of this is astounding.’
Earlier this year, England cricket captain Ben Stokes had his bag stolen while travelling to watch England in the Six Nations.
In an angry tweet directed at the thief, the 31-year-old all-rounder thundered that he hoped his ‘clothes are too big for you ya absolute ******’.
He had been travelling from his home in Cumbria to watch France smash England in the Six Nations in a record home defeat for the English side at Twickenham.